Cyberattacks on Non-Profits & Journalists Surge 241% in a Year: A Growing Concern for Public Interest Groups
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become a top priority for organizations of all sizes and sectors. However, a recent report has raised concerns about the alarming rate of cyberattacks targeting non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups. According to new data shared by Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, the number of cyberattacks on these vulnerable public interest groups has surged by a staggering 241% over the past year.
Project Galileo is an initiative that provides free cybersecurity protection to organizations that are critical to the functioning of our society, but may not have the resources to defend themselves against cyber threats. As part of this initiative, Cloudflare has been monitoring and blocking cyber threats targeting these organizations since May 2024, and the results are alarming.
Between May 2024 and March 2025, Cloudflare’s Project Galileo blocked an astonishing 109 billion threats, including Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, SQL injection attacks, and other types of malicious activity. This is a significant increase from the previous year, when the initiative blocked approximately 32 billion threats.
So, what’s behind this surge in cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists? There are several factors at play. One reason is the growing reliance on digital platforms and online presence for these organizations. As more non-profits and journalists move online to spread their message and connect with supporters, they become increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Another factor is the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals. Gone are the days of simple phishing emails and malware attacks. Today’s cybercriminals are highly organized and well-funded, using advanced tactics and tools to target organizations with minimal resources to defend themselves.
The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be severe. Non-profits and journalists may lose sensitive data, face reputational damage, and even have their online presence disrupted. In some cases, these attacks can be used to intimidate or silence organizations that are critical to our democracy.
But what can these organizations do to protect themselves against these types of attacks? First and foremost, they need to prioritize cybersecurity. This means investing in robust security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption. It also means staying up-to-date on the latest security patches and software updates.
In addition, non-profits and journalists should consider partnering with organizations like Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, which provides free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups. These initiatives can help block cyber threats and provide an additional layer of security for these organizations.
Finally, non-profits and journalists should prioritize digital security awareness and training. This means educating staff and volunteers about the risks of cyber attacks, how to identify and report suspicious activity, and how to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
In conclusion, the surge in cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists is a growing concern for public interest groups. These organizations are critical to our society, and their online presence is under constant threat from sophisticated cybercriminals. By prioritizing cybersecurity, partnering with organizations like Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, and promoting digital security awareness, we can help protect these organizations and ensure that their online presence is secure and resilient.
Source: https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/
